The Elyria Black Legacy Connection is linking youth with their roots.
Elyria Black Legacy Connection Founder Ethan West said the group is bridging the gap between generations.
“A lot of times we talk about our future, but don’t connect with our past,” West said. “My generation had mentors and those who taught us about our history, and now we’re paying it forward and being that bridge between the future generations.”
On Dec. 3, the organization spent a day with local high school youth in Detroit, Mich., visiting the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
Aric Bowens, a member of the Elyria Black Legacy Connection, said many committee members are engaged with youth in one form or fashion.
“Some of us teach sports, are team moms or have components where we are engaged with children, and we’ve been able to utilize this access to find opportunities that keep youth engaged,” Bowens said.
The tickets were donated by Elyria community leader Maggie Robinson, he said.
“It’s an amazing thing to see people in the community supporting this effort,” Bowens said. “It makes everything worthwhile.”
The group also visited the Ford Motor Co. plant in Dearborn, Mich.
Corey Williams, an Elyria native, is the manager of that plant, and gave them a personal tour, Bowens said.
“Corey is a perfect example of perseverance and the importance of community support,” West said. “He grew up in the same place as our youth. He reminded them that they are the same and can reach any goals they set for themselves.”
West said it is important to tell factual and positive stories to the youth.
“Black stories have been suppressed throughout history, but they need to be heard by every generation,” he said. “We’re going to do all that we can from a historical perspective, because knowing who you are, brings a level of empowerment.”
West said he encourages people to dig into their family history to learn more about themselves.
“We learn in-depth about general history, but we have to know how that history impacts our personal, family history,” West said. “When we implement the two together, we’re able to bring the total context of what happened then, and how it affects now.”
